Disclaimer: Sigh… don't we all wish…..owning Inuyasha would definitely make me richer, but I'm broke so it's obvious…

~*~

Little Miss Cupid

Chapter 4

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall

How long will we last before we fall?

~*~

Kagome sat in her car, waiting patiently for Rin to be let out of school by her teachers. Lightly drumming her fingers against the steering wheel, she allowed her thoughts to consume her as she waited. An entire week had passed. It had been a week since she and Sesshoumaru were at the Corporate Ball. A week since memories of what seemed like a past life haunted her and drained her mentally. A week since she saw her husband with HER, causing her pain she thought she'd forgotten. A week since she heard his voice.

With an agitated sigh, Kagome ran her fingers through her dark hair, willing such thoughts to leave her. Yet through it all, she was proud of the progress she'd made. Even though the pain of betrayal was fresh in her heart, she continued to move forward. Every morning she'd gotten up and got Rin ready for school. After dropping her off, she'd go to the office and work, throwing herself into the mundane tasks that Naraku placed on her. By the end of the day she'd be exhausted, but she'd still pick up Rin from school and together they'd head home for dinner, where the retold their days to one another and maybe watch a movie before bed.

Kagome was torn from her thoughts of the past week once the sound of the final school bell rang, signaling that the last class of the day was finally dismissed. Kagome turned her head slightly to see Rin running happily towards the car. She quickly opened the door and jumped in the back seat.

"Hi Mamma!" The child squealed as she threw her pink backpack into the seat next to her.

"Hey honey. How was your day?" Kagome glanced into her rearview mirror, catching her daughters gaze. She quickly looked back to the road, unable to hold the contact for long because the child had eyes so much like her father's.

"It was good. Mrs. Abi said the whole class was going to do a school play." Rin said, giving her mother a toothy smile which showed the small fangs held in her mouth. Sometimes Kagome forgot she had married a demon and bore him a child, who in fact was half-demon. But then there were times like when Rin smiled and showed her teeth, or when she got angry and a hint of red seeped into her eyes did she remember exactly who her daughter was and lineage.

"Oh really? And what play is the class doing?"

"Cinderella! And guess what? Mrs. Abi but all the character names into a hat and had everyone in the class pick from it. And I'm going to be Cinderella!!!!" Rin squealed again. Cinderella was her favorite story, and Kagome saw the excitement flow from her daughter in waves.

"That's great. And who's the lucky prince?" Rin nose immediately scrunched up and she stuck her tongue out in an attempt to display disgust.

"This boy named Shippo ended up being the prince. But I don't like him Momma."

Kagome raised an eyebrow.

"Weren't you the one to tell me you like EVERYONE in your class?" Rin shook her head, affirming her mother's words.

"But mom, just because I like the boys in my class doesn't mean I want to kiss any of them!! Yuck!!!" Rin crossed her small arms over her chest and pouted at the thought of kissing a boy, even if it were for the school play. Kagome shrugged her shoulders and smiled. She quickly reminded Rin to put on her seatbelt and soon they were on the road on their way home.

The ride was quiet and relaxing. The two eventually made it home and made their way into the house. Rin quickly deposited her backpack on the floor and dashed into her room.

"Hey! Get back here and get your book bag young lady. I'm sure you have homework to do!" Kagome called as she shrugged off her suit jacket and draped it over the couch.

"Yes mama." Rin laughed as she ran back into the living room and grabbed her bag.

"I'll check it when you're done." She called watching the girl run back down the hall towards her room. Kagome shook her head and went into the kitchen. She went towards one of the cabinets and pulled out a wine glass before going to the fridge to retrieve her already opened bottle of red wine. Pouring herself a glass, she took a sip of the cool liquid and sighed. Though she wasn't a heavy drinker she knew a good glass of wine would always manage to relax her and free her mind of all worries; especially when they revolved around Sesshoumaru. Placing the glass on the counter top, she went back to the fridge and grabbed a pack of chicken and a few vegetable for dinner.

She quickly went to work on fixing the meal, occupying herself with dicing vegetables and cutting the chicken pieces into strips. In a large wok she put the ingredients together and added a few dashes of seasoning before allowing it to cook through. The sudden sound of the phone caused Kagome to tear her attention away from the large pan and to the phone, which was hanging on the wall.

"Rin!! Can you get the phone please?" Kagome called as she tossed the food in the plan again. She heard Rin's quick patter of feet as she ran into the room.

"M'kay." As the phone rang, Ring quickly climbed on one of the chairs and grabbed the phone.

"Hello?" Kagome waited patiently to hear any clues as to who was one the phone.

"Daddy!" she heard Rin squeal and giggle behind her. Kagome immediately felt her body tense at the mention of Sesshoumaru. She quickly reached over and grabbed her wine glass and took two large gulps, trying to resettle her nerves. Even though he'd called to speak to Rin every day, Kagome never picked up the phone to talk to him. And every time he called, even though she knew he would, her body automatically went haywire. She listened to Rin chatter on to her father, telling him about the events of the day. Turning off the stove, Kagome poured the meal from the wok into a large bowl and set it in the middle of the table, followed by two small bowls of steamed rice.

"Uh hun! And I'm going to play Cinderella in the play daddy!" Rin said into the phone as she began twisting her small finger around a lock of her dark hair. Kagome figured his daughter wanted to hear because Rin planted a large smile on her face.

"Daddy? Will you come to see me in the play?" Kagome quickly looked up and gave her daughter a small smile. She hoped Sesshoumaru wouldn't disappoint her. The play was already something very important to her.

"You will!!!! Thank you daddy!!" Rin squealed as she nearly fell out her seat in excitement. Kagome let out a relieved sigh, glad that Sesshoumaru agreed to make some time for his daughter.

"Wanna' talk to mamma?" Kagome furiously shook her head no and waved her hands frantically in the air. As much as she had the urge to speak to him she knew she wasn't ready. She knew that at the first sound of his voice everything would hit her and she'd feel all the emotions she managed to bury in the past week. Rin's smile faltered as she stared at her mother.

"Oh okay. She was busy anyway." Rin whispered into the receiver. Kagome turned away from the child, unable to stare at her disappointment at the fact that her parents didn't want to talk to each other at the moment. Rin and Sesshoumaru spoke a few more words before she finally hung up the phone, ending the call.

"Rin dinner's ready. Wash up and come eat." Kagome turned and looked at her daughter, who merely nodded her head and slid off the chair and went into the bathroom to wash for dinner. Once she was out of sight, Kagome plopped into her chair and buried her head in her hands, trying to will her overflowing emotions to settle, or better yet, disappear.

~*~

"Coming! Coming!" Kagome called as she made her way through her cluttered house towards the front door. Turning the handle and yanking the door open, Kagome stopped at the sight of Sango and her husband.

"Uhhh… hey…." Sango said, looking at her friend trying to stifle a laugh. Kagome wore a pair of grey sweatpants and a black tank top. Her raven hair was tied up with a scarf, and her face was decorated with dirt smudges and sweat.

"Did we come at a bad time Kagome? It looks like a tornado blew through here." Miroku said as he and Sango stepped into the house, surveying the area. The living room floor was cluttered with piles of clothes. The table was full of cleaning supplies and dust rags. The kitchen was full of unclean dishes and old food that occupied the table and counters.

"Haha guys. I'm just doing a little cleaning. I figured I may as well take advantage of my free weekend and get things done around here." Kagome said closing the door and heading into the kitchen where she began washing a few of the dirty plates.

"You call this a little cleaning? If I knew any better I'd say you were trying to do anything and everything to keep yourself busy o here; As if you're avoiding something." Sango picked up a shirt that was thrown across the couch and threw it into one of the piles of dirty laundry. Kagome was silent as she washed the dishes, throwing all her energy and effort into the task. She was so focused and concentrated she didn't feel Miroku behind her until he placed a hand on her shoulder.

"What's going on Kagome?" She let out a defeated sigh as she turned left the plate in the water and turned to him.

"Guys I don't know what to do. Rin's been acting strange for the past few days. She's still upset that Sesshoumaru and I really aren't talking at the moment."

"Well can you blame her? All she wants if for you to get back together and be a family." Sango said, glancing at her friend. Kagome brought her hand to her chin.

"I know….but look at everything between us. Do you really think we can be a family with all our drama? I mean I know she doesn't understand everything but you guys know the whole story."

"Come on Kags. Do you really believe that? Sesshoumaru loved you and I'm sure he would never allow such himself to cheat."

Kagome took a deep breath and turned back to the dishes.

"You weren't there Miroku. You didn't see what I saw that night in his office. I don't know what to believe." Sango entered the kitchen with the others.

"Kagome, I know it's hard but at least give the guy a chance. Even though you won't admit I know you want to. You're heart is screaming for you to. Damn, even I can hear it." Sango said with a slight laugh. Kagome let out an agitated sigh and then fell into silence, signaling to her friend that the conversation was over. Miroku turned to his wife and shrugged his shoulders.

"Well where's the kid? Maybe we can talk to her and cheer her up, at least until you and Sesshoumaru come to your senses." Kagome shrugged her shoulders at Sango's words.

"She's in her room." Sango and Miroku slowly made their way through the halls and stopped at Ran's closed door. Sango knocked quietly before turning the door knob and pushing the door open.

Rin sat in her small chair, resting her head against the matching table. She held a crayon in her hand and pressed it against the white sheet of paper on the table beside her.

"Hey there kiddo. What ya' doing?" Sango asked as she stepped closer to the girl and bent on her knees so that she could be eye level with Rin. Rin picked up her head trying to hide her tears.

"Hi auntie. Hi Uncle Miroku. I'm drawing." She whispered, refusing to make eye contact with the adults.

"What are you drawing?" Miroku asked as he sat on Rin's small bed and leaned forward to be closer to the two. Rin put the crayon down and slid the paper over on the table to that they could see her butterfly drawing.

"It's beautiful sweetheart." Sango said with a smile.

"Thank you." Sango spared a glance at Miroku, who in turn gave her an encouraging smile.

"So Rin, I heard you scored the lead role in your school play. Congratulations." Miroku spoke up, hoping the topic would spur the girl into conversation, but she merely shook her head in the affirmative. Sango took a deep breath and ran her hand through Rin's dark hair.

"Do you want to talk about it Rin?" Rin looked up at Sano, locking her golden eyes with Sango's soft brown. Rin wiped her eyes again with the sleeve of her shirt.

"Mamma and Pappa are mad at each other." Sango shook her head.

"Yea they are sweetie. But you have to understand that their big people. And as much as we don't want to, we big people do get mad at each other. It's normal." Sango whispered. Rin shook her head.

"I know. But I just want them to at least talk. Mamma looks like she misses him. And when I talk to daddy, he sounds like he wants to talk to mommy but he never does." Rin let out a defeated sigh.

"Yea. Those two are definitely stubborn." Sango smiled at the child. Looking at Rin, Her eyes went wide as an idea formed in her head.

"Hey Rin? How about you and your mom throw a little dinner party? With just the family." Rin looked at Sango confused.

"A party Sango? At a time like this?" Miroku questioned. Sango shook her head.

"This is a perfect time. Think about it. Kagome and Sesshoumaru aren't talking at the moment,

but if they're forced into a situation, they'll definitely be civil towards one another." Sango turned to Rin.

"Does that sound like a good idea?" Rin shook her head, a smile slowly spreading across her lips.

"We can invite everybody!!! You guys, Auntie Kikyou, Uncle Inuyasha, Mamma, and Pappa!" Rin said trying to suppress her sudden urge to jump up and down in excitement.

"Exactly." Sango said with a final pat of the girl's head before standing up and walking out the room, closely followed by Miroku.

"So… how do you plan on getting Sesshoumaru here?" Miroku asked as they slowly walked back towards the kitchen. Sango let a devilish smile cross her lips.

"That's where your job is big boy. I'm sure you'll think of something to get that puppy over here. As for me, I'll work on Kagome." Miroku shook his head as they stepped back into the living room to find the pile of dirty laundry backed in bags and the kitchen dishes cleaned and put up.

"How is she?" Kagome asked, once the two sat down on the now clear couch.

"Better. She just needed a little talk." Sango said, staring at her friend. Kagome shook her head.

"So Kags, I was thinking you've been stressed out the last couple of days, and Rin needs something to keep her mind off everything going on between you and Sesshoumaru." Kagome nodded her head as Sango spoke. "I was thinking maybe you should have a little get together at the house. Nothing big or fancy. Just dinner with everybody you know? And you could invite Inuyasha and Kikyou and of course we'll be there. It'll be fun." Sango tucked her lower lip between her teeth as she watched her friend contemplate the idea.

"Hmmm, that does sound like a good idea. And I think Rin does need to be surrounded by family at the moment."

"Exactly. So tomorrow night?" Sango couldn't help the wide smile that spread across her lips. Kagome shrugged her shoulders.

"Sure why not?" Kagome's eyes then narrowed. "And Sesshoumaru?"

"Do you want him here?" Kagome shook her head.

"I know Rin would want him here." She simply stated. Sango nodded.

"Then there's your answer."

~*~

Sesshoumaru hung up the phone quickly, trying not to allow the incompetent individuals within his company get the better of him. He leaned back in his leather chair, and brought his fingers to the bridge of his nose, slowly allowing the aggravation within him to dissipate. With a sigh he ran his clawed hand through his silver hair, and brought his golden eyes back to the phone on his desk.

He missed her voice. He'd been wanting to call her for the past week, but every time he managed to summon enough courage to pick up the receiver and dial the numbers, his nerves always got the best of him and he ended up only talking to Rin. Even when the child would ask if he wanted to speak to her mother, he'd grit his teeth and say no, reluctantly convincing himself that she wouldn't want to talk to him.

He reached for the phone a pressed a red button, the sound of the dial tone filling the empty office. With a sigh, he picked up the receiver only to slam it down again, abruptly ending the tone. The sudden knock at the door caused his eyes to shift slightly.

"Enter." He watched as Miroku entered the office and silently closed the door behind him.

"Hey there Sesshoumaru." Miroku said with a warm smile as he stepped closer to his desk. The Taiyoukai simply nodded at the lawyer's presence, and took the pile of papers that were being handed to him.

"These are the final contracts for the Tanaka project."

"Good." Sesshoumaru flipped through a few of the pages, never making eye contact with the man. After a few minutes, he noticed that Miroku was still staring down at him rather expectantly. Seeing this, he placed the papers on his desk and looked forward, finally making eye contact.

"Is there something else you needed?" Miroku seemed to shuffle his feet then.

"Well… I was wondering if you happened to talk to Kagome lately." Sesshoumaru stiffened slightly at the mention of her name.

"Why?" Sesshoumaru's voice was distant as he spoke, and his golden eyes became solid, refusing to allow the man before him to read the mixed emotions that were once again tormenting him.

"Well because if you talked to her you'd know that she and Rin are throwing a little get together at her place. And it's my knowledge that she'd really appreciate it if you made an appearance."

Sesshoumaru's stared at Miroku and brought his hand to his lips.

"I don't think that would be a wise decision." He said with a tone of finality, picking up the papers he was previously looking at.

"Oh come on. It'll be fun. Rin would really like for you to be there. She told me herself." Miroku gave the man a signature smile. "And a little birdie told me that your lovely wife would love for you to be there too, despite the recent happening of your relationship."

Sesshoumaru glared at the man who stood before him, growling at the grin plastered on his face. He had no idea of the magnitude of the situation between he and his wife. He had no idea all he wanted to do was return home, and make everything better. He wanted her to love him as he still loved her.

"I'll think about it." Miroku's smile widened at his bosses admission.

"That's all we ask. Well…. Hopefully we'll see you tonight." And with that he walked out the door shutting it behind him. Sesshoumaru stared at the closed door in his friend's departure.

Could she really want to see him? After everything that had happened in the past week, he could have sworn she'd want nothing to do with him for some time. Everything had happened just as it did in the past year; and he hated every minute of it. But with the idea of being able to see her planted in his mind, he couldn't help the sudden memory that brought him back to happier times.

~*~

He'd taken the day off work; it was her birthday. She always said that she didn't want anything big, and as a matter of fact, she loathed large parties to celebrate the day. She'd always preferred something small and intimate with a few of her close friends and her family. But this year, Sesshoumaru was going to break all the rules. She'd given birth to Rin nearly a year ago, and every time he saw the two of them together, a sudden sense of pride over took him. Sometimes he wondered how he was even so lucky to have a loving wife and daughter, both beautiful in their own way. And to show his love and appreciation and love for his wife, he was going to throw her the greatest birthday party.

Though it would still only include her family and friends, Sesshoumaru wasted no expense. He ordered catering from her favorite restaurant and called her favorite bakery the week before to place an order for her favorite cake; devil's food. He'd manage to get everyone involved. Her friends Sango and Miroku were in charge of picking up the food and setting it up in their home. Her sister Kikyou and Inuyasha were in charge of decorations, and he and Rin were in charge of getting her a special birthday gift.

Sesshoumaru glanced at his watch as he pulled into the jewelry store parking lot. With Rin at the babysitter's and Kagome busy at work for the day until he picked her up, he took it upon himself to finalize the last minute things that were needed, and with two hours to spare he had enough time to finish everything. He quickly got out the car and walked into the jewelry store, the small bell signaling his arrival.

"Ahhh there you are Sesshoumaru I was waiting for you to come." A shriveled man stepped from the back area, a large smile on his face as he watched the Taiyoukai remove his sunglasses and scan the small store with his golden eyes.

"Glad to see you again Totosai. Is it ready?" The man's smile widened.

"Of course." He then proceeded to the back room, and within a few minute, he'd returned with a large square velvet box. Totosai popped it open and Sesshoumaru took a glance inside. Perched on the inside cushioning was an eighteen inch white gold necklace with a sparkling 2 karat blue diamond pendent in the center.

"Perfect." Sesshoumaru said as Totsai closed the box and handed it to him.

"Glad you like it. And I'm sure Kagome will love it. Tell her happy birthday for me." Sesshoumaru nodded his head and walked out the door and back to his car. He quickly drove and picked up Rin, and once she was situated in her car seat, he headed home only to find Inuyasha and Kikyou putting up blue and white streamers and balloons around the house.

"There you are. Where the hell ya' been dog face?" Inuyasha said as he walked up to Sesshoumaru and took the giggling Rin from his arms. The one year old quickly grabbed her uncle's dog ear and gave it a little tug.

"Hey runt… watch the ears." He said as he tickled the girl on her sides lightly. Sesshoumaru placed the box on the counter and popped it open, only to hear a loud whistle behind him.

"Damn Sess….that must've been a pretty penny. A pretty BIG penny." Inuyasha commented as he looked at the necklace.

"Money is no object Inuyasha. You know that."

"Yea I know... When it comes to her nothing is an object." Inuyasha let out a laugh as he walked away from him, bouncing Rin in his arms as he went. Sesshoumaru took a look around and realizing that everything was nearly set up, he made his way to the bedroom so he can get himself ready and pick up his wife.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Kagome heard the ding of the elevator and she looked up to see Sesshoumaru walking into the office, two boxes in his arms.

"Hey there. I was just packing up." Kagome smiled as she gathered some of the papers on her desk and neatly stacked them up. She stood to her feet and walked over to him and planted a light kiss on his lips. He responded in turn and wrapped his free arm around her waist to bring her body closer to his.

"I'm ready whenever you are." Kagome said as she reached over to grab her purse off her desk. Sesshoumaru seemed to look her up and down and take in her appearance. "What?" she asked as she herself looked down at her plain black pants and white button down shirt.

"You should change."

"Change? Into what?" She said backing away from him. Sesshoumaru held the two boxes out to her and took her purse from her.

"Make it quick. We have a schedule to keep." The mischievous glint in his golden eyes caused Kagome to narrow her own.

"What did you do?" Sesshoumaru merely smirked and shooed her away so she can change. Kagome shook her head and went into the bathroom. Ten minutes later she return and the sight of her almost made Sesshoumaru growl.

She was no longer in her plain work clothes, but instead she wore a black off the shoulder cocktail dress that stopped just above her knees. The material clung to her body, showing off a figure that couldn't have given birth to a child one year prior. Her raven hair fell down her shoulder in waves, and Sesshoumaru fought the sudden urge to run his clawed hand through the silky tresses. She bent down to finish strapping on her stiletto heels and looked at him.

"Is this better?" She asked turning in a full circle so he could take a good look at her. He took a step forward and wrapped his arm around her waist and spread his fingers against her flat stomach. He pulled her backwards so that her backside was pressed firmly against his semi-hard erection.

"Hm… if we didn't have to leave I could think of a much better sight at the moment." He whispered in her ear, which sent a shiver down her spin. Kagome grinned and stepped out of his grasp to face him.

"Down boy." She said with a grin "Now, what do you have planned."

"It's a surprise." He said as he took her hand and led her out the office and to the car. The ride was silent, and before she knew it they'd pulled up and parked in front of their house.

"Hey, I'm all dressed up to go home?" Kagome said. Sesshoumaru grinned once he recognized the slight tinge of disappointment that was edged in her voice. Sesshoumaru just got out of the car and walked over to the passenger side. He opened the door and pulled her out. Kagome quietly followed, and stopped suddenly when he did. He turned to her and looked at her.

"Something is missing."

"What the hell else can fit in here?" Kagome asked as she looked down at her body. When she returned her gaze back to him, in front of her was a large velvet box which Sesshoumaru opened. Kagome gasped when her eyes caught sight of necklace inside.

"Om my God." She whispered, bringing her hands to her mouth. Sesshoumaru removed the necklace from the box and stepped behind her. He gathered her dark hair in his hands and brought her own hand back to hold the makeshift bun, giving him clear access to her slender neck. He draped the necklace around her neck, making sure the blue diamond was perfectly centered. He clasped the necklace together, and placed a gently kiss on her the back of her neck.

"Beautiful." Sesshoumaru whispered as he walked to stand in front of her.

"It is very beautiful. Thank you Sesshoumaru."

"I wasn't speaking of the necklace." He said as he leaned forward and kissed her deeply. Kagome to a long breathe of air once the kiss ended, welcoming the air to her lungs. He took her hand again and the two of them walked inside.

"SURPRISE!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAGOME!!!!" Everyone screamed once she stepped into her home followed by Sesshoumaru. She gasped in shock at the sight. The entire house was decorated in her blue and white streamers, and her friends and family looked at her with large smiles on their faces. She was so taken aback that she couldn't help the tears that formed in the corner of her eyes but refused to fall. She hugged everyone in turn and said her thanks to them. She hugged Rin tightly, who giggle and laughed. She then turned back to Sesshoumaru who was standing nonchalantly against the wall.

She walked towards him and wrapped her arms around his neck, allowing him to wrap his arms tightly around her waist.

"Thank you Sesshoumaru." She whispered. He merely buried his nose into her neck.

"No thanks are necessary." Kagome pulled away from him slightly and he clearly caught the devious look in her brown eyes.

"Oh trust me…. I'll be making sure I thank you all night long." She smiled before kissing him again. Sesshoumaru grinned at the though.

He definitely liked the sound of that.

~*~

Sesshoumaru came back into focus, the bittersweet memory plaguing him. He let out a sigh. He loved her smile. He loved making her smile. He resumed looking over the documents on his desk, fighting the urge to call her. He would wait to see her. He would wait to speak with her. And he'd go to the party; even if it was only to see her smile.

~*~

"Here Rin, take this to the table." Kagome said as she handed the girl a large bowl of vegetables. "Be Careful."

"Kay." She said, wrapping her arms around the bowl and walking over to the table, which was already set up with china dishes, candles, and other serving bowls full of food. Everyone was standing around talking and helping out where they could. The sound of the doorbell caused Rin to jump up and run to the door.

"Pappa!!!!" everyone heard the girl squeal. Kagome placed the last of the meal on the table and smoothed out her dress and tossed her hair a little.

He had come. He actually showed up. She suppressed the smile on her face.

"Mamma! Mamma! Pappa's here!" Rin called as she ran back into the living room with the others. Sesshoumaru followed close by, and Kagome took in a breath when she saw him.

He'd changed his clothes that much she knew. He wasn't wearing his usual business suit, but instead wore a pair black dress pants and a black button up shirt. His silver hair was tied in a loose ponytail and the sleeves of his shirt were rolled up to his elbows, showing off just enough arm muscle to want more.

"Hi." Kagome whispered. Sesshoumaru nodded his head and held out a bottle of wine to her.

"I brought this for you." He stated. Kagome reached forward and took the bottle from him.

"Thank you." She placed the bottle on the counter. "Umm dinner is ready so you can take a seat wherever you like." Kagome led him to the table, where everyone else was sitting.

"Hey there dog turd. Glad you can make it." Inuyasha said as he took a sip of his beer.

"Yasha you're so mean." Kikyou commented, lightly slapping him on the chest. Inuyasha only grinned at his wife.

"Come on Pappa, I want you to sit next to me and Mamma!" Rin said pulling him towards the table. He took a seat in between Rin and Kagome, and immediately he knew it wasn't a good idea. She was wearing a light coat of perfume, but even that didn't hide her unique smell. He bit back the urge to lean forward and smell her, wanting to become intoxicated with what was her scent.

"Are you okay Sesshoumaru. You look… flustered." Miroku said as he poured everyone a glass of wine. Sesshoumaru quickly took the glass and took three large gulps, finishing the glass completely.

"I'm fine." He said, motioning for Miroku to refill his glass. Miroku let out a small chuckle, knowing what was currently bothering his friend.

The dinner party went along smoothly. Everyone was able to laugh and enjoy themselves, forgetting about whatever worries they may have had during the day. Even Sesshoumaru and Kagome managed to talk as if a barrier wasn't between them, and for that Rin had a smile on her face the entire night. Before anyone knew it, it was late into the night, and no one noticed until Rin let out a long yawn, signaling that it was well past her bedtime.

"Okay kiddo, it's time for bed." Kagome said, standing to her feet.

"Awww Mamma. But I want to stay up like everybody else." She said, suppressing another yawn, while rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand.

"Don't worry Rin. You're not missing anything. Besides, it's about time we head out ourselves." Kikyou said, placing a light kiss on the girl's forehead.

"Yea Runt…. Bed time." Inuyasha said as he ruffled the child's dark hair.

"I'll get her ready for bed." Sesshoumaru said as he picked up the little girl.

"Thanks." Kagome whispered as she watched him head down the hall and into Rin's room. She turned only to see everyone staring intently at her.

"What?"

"How are you?" Sango asked, rubbing Kagome's arm gently.

"I'm fine." She smiled.

"Are you sure? We don't have to leave you know." Kikyou whispered. Kagome quickly shook her head.

"Guy's I'm fine. Seriously. Nothing to worry about. Sesshoumaru and I are fine right now." Sango smiled.

"Well call us if you need us." Sango said, as she walked towards the door with the others.

"Yea yea." Kagome smile as she watched everyone leave, closing the door behind them. She let out a sigh and leaned against the closed door. They'd had a nice night together. Granted, everyone else was there in their presence, but still, the two of them were kind, almost caring to each other. She wondered if once Rin was put to bed she and Sesshoumaru would talk. Maybe about everything; from beginning to end. They were still legally married after all. Maybe from here they could start over, or at least decide where their relationship stood.

Kagome had become so lost in her thoughts that she hadn't realized she stood in the doorway of Rin's bedroom. She leaned against the door frame, a smile crossing her lips at the sight before her. Rin was in her pajamas and securely tucked in her bed, her pink blanket just below her chin. Sesshoumaru had settled himself on the edge of the bed with one arm securely wrapped around her shoulder. Kagome's smiled widened when she realized that Sesshoumaru was reading Rin's favorite bedtime story, and the sight pushed her mind back to a time she would always remember.

~*~

"The End." Sesshoumaru whispered softly to the small child that was sleeping quietly in his arms. He was reading his daughter her favorite story, and though she'd fallen asleep some time ago, he continued to read, enjoying the sound of her soft snores and the child's closeness.

"Here I'll put her too bed." Kagome whispered as she entered the child's room. Sesshoumaru cradled Rin in the crook of his arm and stood up, placing the small book onto the plush chair he'd been sitting in.

"There's no need." The stoic demon said as he turned and moved the child's pink blanket to the side so he could settle her into bed. Kagome watched with a smile on her face as her husband tucked their sleeping daughter into bed. Once Rin was settled, they two left the room, closing the door behind them.

"Sesshoumaru?" Kagome spoke his name once they entered heir bedroom and closed the door. The dark haired woman watched as he went about removing his shirt and getting ready for bed. Tough he did not respond, the simple glance he gave her told he was listening.

"Do you ever think about having more children?"

The sounds of shuffling clothes and movement from within the closet suddenly stopped. Sesshoumaru stopped everything and turned to look at her. Kagome cast her eyes downward and began twisting her fingers together. Sesshoumaru could smell her nervousness; since Rin was born they never talked about trying to conceive again.

Sesshoumaru slowly walked over to her, and once her was he was close, he used his index finger to lift her head just enough to look him in his golden eyes.

"You want more?" Kagome shrugged her shoulders.

"Well I don't know. I mean I wouldn't mind. Neither one of us grew up alone. We always had a brother or sister around. You had 'Yasha and I had Kikyou. I just want Rin to have someone she can grow up with too."

Sesshoumaru ran a clawed hand through his silver tresses, the mischievous glint in his eyes going unnoticed by his wife. Before Kagome could realize what was happening, she was pinned to the bed, Sesshoumaru's hard body pressed against hers.

"Hey what are you doing?" Kagome asked, stifling the sounds of laughter that threatened to come out. He kissed her neck gently.

"How else do you think we're going to get more pups in this house?" He purred before he filled the rest of the night with squeals, moans, and the most delicious sound imaginable.

~*~

"Would you like a glass of wine?" Kagome asked as Sesshoumaru entered the kitchen. He'd already tucked Rin in for bed after reading her story. He'd seen Kagome standing in the doorway as he read the child earlier ad wondered exactly what she was thinking about that made the smile and blush he loved so much cross her face.

"As much as I would love to I can't. I have an early meeting tomorrow. I should be getting back." Sesshoumaru reached for his coat and draped it over his arm.

"How's living in the apartment of yours by the way. I never got a chance to ask you about it." Kagome took a sip of win from her glass, never breaking eye contact with him. Sesshoumaru's gaze was unwavering.

"Empty and lonely without you and Rin." Kagome downed the rest of her drink and gently placed the glass on the counter.

"Sesshoumaru, I…." Kagome began but was cut off by the sound of his velvet voice.

"So much has happened between us." Kagome only nodded her head. "So much neither one of us is sure where to go from here." Sesshoumaru continued to stare as he spoke.

"One day at a time?" Kagome suggested, biting down on her lower lip, which the demon before her adored. She only did that for two reasons, one being when she was uncertain about something, the other…. He'd rather not think about unless he wanted to spend the night having pleasant dreams that left him needed an extremely cold shower in the morning.

"Yes. One day at a time." Kagome smiled as she walked up to him.

"Thank you for coming tonight Sesshoumaru." She whispered before placing a kiss on his cheek. Sesshoumaru nodded his head, reluctantly opened the door, and left. Kagome pressed her back against the door the smile on her face causing her cheeks to ache slightly. She slowly began cleaning the rest of the kitchen, unaware that Rin was smiling just as brightly as she stood in the hallway having just seen the small display of tenderness between the two.

The child quietly skipped back to bed, hoping to have the sweetest dreams a child could have.